Improving Allen looking towards Rio Olympic qualification

Dominique Allen insists she's not done with her Olympic ambition - and is targeting another crack in Rio.

Allen was part of the British women's basketball team that made their debut at London 2012, thanks to a wildcard hosts' invite from world governing body Fiba.

But the 23-year-old insists qualification for Rio is more than a dream, even if it means a rapid rise up the world rankings.

“We have the EuroBasket in June in France so preparation is starting for that and I am really looking forward to getting back to it,” said Allen, who will return to the Olympic Park for the first time since last summer’s Games on Sunday July 21 for the National Lottery Anniversary Run.

“We just want to do as well as possible. We got some great experience at the Olympics and before the Olympics and we just want to keep that momentum going.

“The aim now is to qualify for Rio in 2016 and the EuroBasket will play a part of that and everyone is determined to get to Brazil.

“Preparation has been a bit up and down with all the funding issues but it is great that we have got our funding back.

“And while it never stopped the players from pushing forward, the funding obviously helps and I believe we are now back on track for Rio in 2016.”

Allen graduated from her US college last summer and is currently playing professionally in Italy - and the experience has been a good one for the centre.

"I have just finished my first full season over in Italy,” she added.“It was very different as no one spoke English to me, I had an Italian coach and it was difficult to begin with.

“But it was a really good experience for me and I think it has and will help me become a better player.”